Plumbing

Common plumbing problems we fix

Dripping taps. A tap that won't stop dripping usually has a worn washer or a failed ceramic cartridge inside it. Replacing that part is often all it needs, so you can keep the tap you have.

Leaking pipes and joints. Most leaks start at a joint, fitting or valve that has worked loose or perished over the years. We trace the leak, repair or replace the faulty section and check it with the water back on.

Leaks under the sink. Worn plug and waste fittings, loose trap connections and failing tap connectors are the usual reasons for water in the cupboard under a sink. We fix the source and replace the parts that have worn.

Radiators and pipework. We fit new radiators, move existing ones and run new pipework to them. If some of your radiators stay cold or only warm in places, our guide to radiators not heating up explains the common causes.

Water from the boiler. Water dripping from the boiler itself, or from the pipes just underneath it, is usually a heating fault rather than plumbing. Our boiler repairs page explains how we deal with it.

What to do if you have a leak

1. Turn off the water at your stop tap. It's usually under the kitchen sink, but can be in a downstairs toilet, a utility room or where the water pipe enters the house.

2. If you can see where the leak is, look for a small isolating valve on the pipe nearby. A quarter turn of the slot with a screwdriver stops the water to that tap or toilet only.

3. If water is near light fittings, sockets or the consumer unit, keep clear, and switch the electricity off at the consumer unit if you can reach it safely.

4. Open the cold taps to drain the water left in the pipes, and put a bowl or towels under the drip.

5. Get in touch and tell us what you've found.

It's worth finding your stop tap now, before you need it, and checking that it turns.

What affects the cost of a plumbing repair

Every plumbing job is different, so we price each one once we know what's wrong. The main things that affect the cost are:

• how easy the problem is to reach: a pipe behind boxing, under floorboards or in a ceiling takes longer than one under a sink

• the parts needed, as tap cartridges, valves and fittings vary a lot between makes

• whether a part can be repaired or needs replacing

• how long the job takes

We explain what's needed and what it will cost before any work starts. A small leak dealt with early is nearly always cheaper than the damage it causes if it's left.

What customers say about our plumbing work

"Great experience with Mike attending quickly to repair a leaking pipe and dripping tap, managed to get the job done in time for Christmas which was a massive help! Would always recommend, thanks again."

Rachael, Google

"Mike did a fantastic job to fix our leaking sink. Responded very quickly, great communication and fixed the issue with no problems. Would recommend."

Sophie, Google